Thursday, 29 January 2026
The University of Nottingham has been ranked as a European top 25 institution in the latest QS World University Rankings: Europe, with strengths in both sustainability and international research networks recognised within these results.
The rankings assess 1,087 universities from 42 locations across Europe, including 129 institutions from the UK.
While the university’s overall rank has shifted slightly from 24th in 2025, its overall performance score has improved, reaching 90.4 out of 100, up from 83.8 in 2025. In 2026, the rankings attracted more than 300 new entrants, with 291 from Europe and 27 from the UK.
Highlights of the University of Nottingham’s performance include:
This news follows the recent Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026, where Business and Economics, Medicine and Health, Education, Law and Psychology at the University of Nottingham all maintained world top 100 positions.
The QS Europe rankings, like the QS World University Rankings, play a significant role in shaping our global reputation. We would like to thank all the committed colleagues from across the University who are actively making a difference and helping us highlight the excellence of our institution.
Notes to editors:
About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 97 in the world and 17th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the third most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2024 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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